The wind blows strands of my hair in front of my eyes, but I ignore them. Ahead and below me, the town glows with an almost ethereal light, the effect of the sun setting upon the glass domed buildings. People move about, and even up here, amongst the eagles, I can hear the merchants yelling out their wares, I can see the people searching for the item they need. All this my eyes and ears can see. But it is my other sense I turn to, the one that is special to me alone. I close my eyes, letting myself melt into the city. Now I can sense him. My target. He walks along a back alley, thinking to himself. Standing up, letting the wind blow back my hood, I slowly let myself fall forward, rolling and tumbling through the air to land on the ground, on a soft bed of pillows. The merchant lets out a surprised squawk, but I'm already gone, slipping and blending in with the crowd. It's almost a natural gift, my teacher had said. Sliding into the back alley, the city seems to hold its breath. No one comes back here, except the people who have lost their minds. Gently slipping in front of him, I know he sees me. He looks me over, then sighs. “I would have thought they would have at least sent a professional.†I can only smile. He makes the same mistake. “You shouldn't be doing this life. I can find you a nice husband, a good family.†He tries to persuade me, his second mistake. His thick accent trembles, and he knows as well as I do what has to happen. “I am sorry, brother.†I murmur, then dart behind him. He doesn't even have time to turn before I end his life with a single twist of my blade. I help his body fall to the ground, then close his eyes, praying silently. Gently pulling the heavy sleeve back on his right arm, I pull off the bracelet dangling there, then stand up. “I hope you find the peace I shall keep searching for.†A shout brings me back; I have been seen. In an instant I am climbing the wall, pulling myself up onto the roof, and sprinting. The city gate is to the north, but I head west, towards the desert. The guards chase me, and I can hear their labored breathing. They will never catch me. Dashing across the houses, jumping through gaps, city life goes on, unaware of the change that has been made to it. Just as I near the gate, I jump into the street. Now screams pierce the normal chatter, the sound of broken pottery crashing behind me. I am small enough to dart between open spaces, but the guards are not. I hear them cursing me, and it only heightens my excitement. Taking one final jump, I let my leg muscles bunch, then push me straight up into the air. Grabbing the edge of the wall, I chance one look back at the pandemonium that had been chasing me, smile, and then climb over the wall. Dropping into a saddle, I pet my dear Racing Star, my beloved horse, then urge her into a neat canter, leaving the city behind for the one place I call home. Another day for me. Perhaps tomorrow I shall be able to travel somewhere new, that the masters think I am ready. This is my life. Me, ready to die for the job at a moment's notice. I am an assassin, the best of the best. This is my story.
'Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils' -Louis Hector Berlioz The starlight is beautiful, but dim tonight. It's suicide to travel at night, even for me, so I let Star loose and settle down close to a stream, but not next to. It's a desert out here, so anyone wanting water will come to this stream. I do not wish to be found. Star is quiet, but I can sense her nearby, grazing. She will rest, lightly, but she is as good as any guard, and twice as deadly. Curling up on my side, I cover myself in my cloak, finding small warmth. The cold doesn't bother me as it used to, but I cannot sleep. I see the faces of the people I have murdered, and hate them with all my heart. I cannot be weak, they had to die so I could live. But I keep seeing their faces, one by one, each staring at me behind my eyes. I rub them, refusing to cry. I refuse to be weak, even when alone. There is no choice for me. I must remain strong, so the males of my order will not use my heart against me. I have seen too many females fall for their wiles, lose themselves. This will not be me. Somehow, I doze off, awake, but not quite asleep. The Assassin's Sleep, the special skill taught only to the best. Sensing the environment, knowing what is happening. It took forever to perfect, but once learned it is never forgotten. Soon, morning comes. I rise, shaking out my possessions that had filled with dust, and drinking a small amount of water from the stream. Refilling my flask, I jump back into Star's saddle and off we go again. The closer we get to my home, the less tell tale signs there are of soldiers. Every city has at least three camps along the way, but here, there are no soldiers. There is a town, a refuge for those who have fallen ill of the murderers, the Carnifax. Everyone knows who we are, how they are protected. They do not question us, because we do not persecute them for how they live, what they eat, what they believe. The roads become smaller, but there is grass now, soft blades that tickle the bare foot. I have not felt such since I began training. Too much risk, now that your face is known. There is more water, more life. I can see the eagles above, and the animals in front of me. Livestock are brought here, and co exist with the wildlife. Guiding Star into town, people begin to back away from us. She is renowned, almost as well as I am. A famous black hearted assassin, riding her steed of doom. Such dramatics, and yet, it keeps people out of our way. The barrier is as cold as it is welcome, for no one is brave enough to get to know someone such as me. What is the use of becoming friends with someone outside the order, when one day you might have to end their life? Too risky, too risky. Dismounting, and tying my horse's reins, I walk up the steps to the church, still thinking. My masters call us messengers of peace, driven to help those who cannot help themselves, killing a few to achieve a greater good. I have always found this ironic, for in our quest for peace, we cause the very anarchy we seek to prevent.
Hope is a very dangerous thing to lose. -Naveen Andrews Above me, I hear the doves. Below me, the floor is polished, no sand or outside debris allowed in. This is a sanctuary, a place of peace, even for murderers. The law is that anyone can find safety here, even a thief. The law does not extend to those who take more then items. The doorkeeper, a blind man, keeps watch. He senses what is in the hearts of those who pass, and what they have done. If he finds you lacking, he will “escort” you out. I have passed before, and this time is no different. He even gives me a smile, though his eyes are focused on the floor. I can't help but smile, then make my way slowly to the altar. There is a staircase behind it, that leads up to the bell, supposedly. It also leads to the room where my masters have adjoined, waiting for me. All four masters are beyond the age of fifty, and each are chosen for their certain quality. Trust, dedication, secretiveness, quickness. Each is represented by an animal, and each has taught me the skills I hold. They await me now, dressed in solemn gray robes, sitting in front of me. I kneel before them, showing the due respect, and lower my head. “It is done, my masters.” Laying the bracelet before them, I keep my face downcast. “He has left this earth.” “Well done, child. You have great talent.” It is Master Nuhktab who speaks, his voice gentle. “We were right to place our trust in you.” The other masters concur. “Tell us, did he give you any words before departing?” This time Master Ariyana speaks. Even with my eyes averted, I can feel hers piercing me clean through, like a falcon. “Truly, the last words a man speaks are the most important of his entire life.” I don't hesitate. “He said nothing, only silence with his last breath. Such seems to be the way of their brotherhood.” Silence meets my answer, but it is not uncomfortable. I rise, and meet each of the eyes that watch me. Seeing no disagreement, I bow, then take my leave. The sunlight beckons to me, and I have an entire day of rest, before I must perform another task. In the town, people are sparring, guards patrol, children run and mothers and wives perform daily chores. It is like any other town, except, when you look up, you see my brothers and sisters, the men and women of my order watching, waiting. They are only novices, not yet ready for a full assassin's job, but they are skilled enough to kill any man. For now, they guard us. I, however, am looking for one. Tainya waves to me from her post, smiling, then offers me a hand up onto her platform. “May you see all that the eagles do.” She greets me, tilting her head downward to to give me the dignity of my station. “And may you fly as high as them.” I embrace her instead, smiling in return. “You are well?” “Yes, not much has stirred the town. The masters are jumpy though..” She draws me into a corner, in shadows, where the two of us may talk in secret. The platform is fifteen feet off the ground, and the highest thing by this rock wall. The wall itself is unclimbable, and we can see anyone coming from below. “They have had double postings of the guards, and everyone has gotten little sleep. They are training us in different fighting styles, but they won't tell us why.” Her dark brown eyes are worried, and rest on my face. “I have noticed. They did not greet me as usual. No word on what has them so excited?” She shakes her head, her black hair just brushing her shoulders. “I shall keep my eyes and ears open, as always, my friend.” I nod, and embrace her again, then jump down, making my way to my temporary quarters. All assassins live in town, and we are each given a house to keep as our own. It passes to someone else when we die, so everyone who lives here now owns a house by a former assassin. Mine belonged to my parents. I check the small stable first, to make sure Star is safe, then head up to my room, shedding the light armor we must wear, and changing into a cloth robe with trousers. The leather boots stay on, with my knife sheaths wrapped around my shins. I replace the knives, then go back out into the town. My hair is loose now, lightly blowing in the breeze. The men take notice, then look away. They know I am untouchable. I head for my secret place, to think. I know my next target, for they leave the name on a single slip of paper, along with a black thread, on your bed. If possible, they give a small amount of information, though such targets are usually hidden quite well, and impossible to search for out of the location. Dipping my toes in the cool water, I stare into the light blue of the ocean. This town is near the sea, a mile or so away. Beautiful as it is, it is defensive as well. We can escape as easily as we can fight for it. My boots lay beside me, the knife in easy reach. I sigh, then slide my legs in a little deeper. This target is difficult, morally. He has a family, or had one. A little sister, a mother, and father. Parents dead, a few relatives left in the city that might offer him shelter, and his little sister. He will not be able to move easily, for she is small. As much as I can think this over strategically, it brings an ache to my heart. The masters do not want the little girl to go free. Digging my nails into the ground, I lose myself in my thinking, and in the clearness of the water. Stupid of me, but irresistible. It is while I am lost in this world of my own, that I sense something outside of it, a danger to me. Moving on pure instinct, I duck, grabbing one of the knives next to me and slashing out while rolling into a sitting position. The man is average, or so he appears. I know better, just as he knows me. I can see his smile as he puts away his weapon. “You are indeed as good as they say, Nigra Cati.” “What would you have of me?” I stay where I am, ready to strike. He could be faking, or signaling. “Simply to ask you a favor. That you hear me out.” “Why would I?” I hiss, baring my teeth in a feral grin. “There is no reason, when you attempt to end my life.” He shrugs. “What I have to say concerns your master, and your newest target. It is not as they would have you see.” Watching him, slowly standing up, I nod. “Fine. Speak, and I will decide whether or not to end your life.”
Very interesting. I'm getting curious as to what the assassin is going to do. This has just a little too much drama, especially when the main character is at rest, but then you might be trying to portray that as her 'guard is always up'. Aside from that, I didnt' see any spelling errors. Keep it up.
I think I should make a note, some of the italicised words are latin, but they may not be accurate translations, because as I do not actually know latin, I'm using an online dictionary. _________________ 'Death happens', as we like to say. And when I get paid for it, death happens more often. -Zevran (Dragon Age: Origins) Lying on my flat roof, the stars above me, I let my eyes wander, making shapes in those small orbs of light. The masters have said they are the ancestors before us, watching over us, until the day we pass from this world to the next. They all believe there is no god, nothing to keep us warm when we die, or safe. We die, and then we go be a star. That sounds like such a cold existence to me. I voice this to the girl lying besides me, my best friend. Tainya only smiles, then points out a constellation that makes up a woman holding her child. “They would have us live a cold life, if only to make us better assassins.” She murmurs, letting her hand fall. We lie in silence, as I consider the events of that day. “Your target has a child. Surely you have morals?” The man seemed to smile almost slyly, as if he knew. I ignored this, and dipped my toes back in the water. “I have killed children before.” I murmured, refusing to bow to this stranger. There was silence, then he handed me a note. “Perhaps you should reconsider before spilling more innocent blood.” 'That is a small list of the family the girl could go to. You could take her to those addresses, even if you must kill her brother.” I sensed him leaving, and I let him. My throat was too swollen with the memories I have brought back to say anything, anyway. My hand clenches, and I bring myself back before my eyes fill with tears, and their faces, again. Tainya seems to sense something is wrong, as she looks at me. “You don't have to do it.” She murmurs, letting her hand slowly ease into mine, and squeezing it. “You can refuse.” “But then someone else with less mercy will.” I whisper back, swallowing past the sudden lump in my throat. There is more silence, and we sit there, holding hands like little children. Tainya shouldn't have become friends with me. I was a silent and ill willed child, unable or unwilling to make friends or even talk, I didn't know at the time. She had just walked up to me and began to compliment me, and explain where everything was. She did this until I finally told her to go away. Then she laughed and had finally said she had been bet against that she couldn't get me to talk. I had tried to throw her over my shoulder, the way the masters were teaching us to, but Tainya was a master of that. She instead threw me into the lake, then helped me out, still laughing. We had been friends ever since. I smile over her, and she smiles back. We both sense it, even if we can't see it. I close my eyes, seeing behind my lids the note again, the addresses of the girl's relatives. Taking a deep breath, I open them again, just in time to catch the sight of a shooting star. Both Tainya and I exclaim over it, but I am smiling for another reason. This girl will grow up with her family, not struggling to survive, as I have had to. She will live, and become a good person. I shall procure this future for her. As for her brother....I sent a silent prayer to the Gods above. In my view, if they aren't there, then no one hears me. If they are, then they can decide for themselves what to do with me. “Kila....” Tainya sounds sleepy now. I look over at her, my eyelids heavy as well. “I'll go with you, tomorrow......the masters will let me...” she falls asleep in mid sentence, leaving me to consider her statement before falling into the blackness that awaits me. They silently creep here, haunting me. * * * * * * * Ariyana made her way up the stairs to the bell tower, her feet stepping silently. Even the mice who lived here couldn't hear her, and they scrambled to scurry away before her feet crushed them, their little bones crunching beneath her feet. She took a deep breath, pushing open the door. Nuhktab, Jeria, and Gregor waited for her. Jeria was watching something below, her eyes focused. She clear my throat, and they all looked up, except Jeria. Gregor didn't smile, only nodded, but Nuhktab took her hand and helped her up the last step. Of all of them, only she was noble born. “Well?” She asked harshly, her master's dress swinging around her feet as she paced. “The girl is following the plan?” Gregor watched, but didn't answer. Ever the quiet one. He held the most secrets, which made his mastery fitting. Nuhktab frowned. “Her name is Kila. And yes, she is following our plan to the letter.” Jeria looked up, then stretched, her eyes dark. “They have fallen asleep, side by side.” She shook her head. “Tainya is the only thing that stands in Kila's way of becoming a true assassin.” This time, all four masters nodded. “We must be rid of the girl.” Gregor sighed. “Such talent...must we waste it?” His eyes were hooded in shadow, letting them know nothing. All four masters looked at each other, then nodded. “She shall go with Kila tomorrow. We will have to make sure that she has an...accident.” The words left a heavy burden on Ariyana's heart, but she nodded with the rest, not openly showing descent. Nuhktab smiled kindly, then made his excuse, and began to walk down the long, winding staircase. Jeria followed, her cruel and cold eyes seeing only the next plan to greatness. Dedication, the true form of it, what Jeria was in being, chilled her. The poor woman would die for her cause, with no regrets, or sacrifice anything. Nuhktab trusted others too much. Gregor.....she smiled at him as he came out of the shadow, his blue eyes alight. “That target tomorrow is not the one, is she?” He asked, leaning against an archway. Ariyana shook her head, smiling. “It's in the girl's name, Kila....an anagram.” Gregor nodded, then looked back down at the two small forms of the girls sleeping side by side. “They are wrong....” he whispered, and for a moment, she saw regret. She gently went to stand next to him, her eyes full of feeling as well. “It wasn't your fault.” She murmured, looking down at them as well. “We have to change their plan. Get her safely. Or Kila will lose everything she could be.” He sighed, then shrugged away from her. “I will go make ready.” Left alone, Ariyana turned her eyes up to the stars. Oh ancestors....what has become of us? The dark magic that had given them the gifts, the beginnings of their order, cursed them. Gregor was afraid to trust, to love anyone like he once had. Nuhktab was just the opposite, but he was crueler. Jeria was no longer the spirited woman, but a lifeless corpse who worked toward one goal. She ate only to keep her strength up, only took care of herself to keep going on further. Shivering at the slight breeze, Ariyana cast one last look back up at the stars, then began to descend the stairs. So much rested on these next few days, and if those two girls survived...then it would be just the beginning. She sighed, rubbing the back of her next. Things used to be so simple when she was older. The older you got, the more damned complicated things got. She smiled at this, then made her way to her house. This could wait till tomorrow. She needed sleep for now.
Nothing is true, but everything is permitted. -Al Mualim (Assassin's Creed) We reached the city, Tainya and I. She knew what to expect, but I could still see the childish hope in her eyes dim. At the home city, Lanya, we heard tales of the big city's beauty, of it's glorious towers, and handsome guards, of the riches waiting to be made, the finely dressed people, and the royalty, of course. The city was well enough, in the finer districts. There were tall towers, but they had faded with the sun, and guards patrolled them, keeping an eye on the city below. They watched for thieves and murderers, who used the rooftops as escape routes. The guards were well enough, but they wouldn't stop to help anyone in front of them, not one that wasn't rich, anyhow. The rich people were the only ones finely dressed, the rest made do with what they had. The royalty were well enough, but it didn't pay to get close to them. They could be on our lists one day. Tying up Star and Nerita, Tainya's brown house, up to the city gate, I stepped inside the gate, keeping Tainya close to me. The guards let us pass, we looked no different then any daughters of the merchants who would explore outside the city. Someone paid well enough by our masters would come and collect our horses, but in the mean time we had a job to do. Exploring the market, I found the highest point in the city, then sighed. “Tainya, I'll meet you at the wall to the rich district.” She followed my gaze, grinned, then nodded, blending into the crowd. I had no worries about her being attacked, she knew her skills well. And she had to take care of herself, or else she wouldn't survive in the future. Making my way to the tower, I ignore the merchants hawking their wares. One has carpets and silks, brought from far away lands. He hasn't said the name, so he probably got them second hand from the royal palace, or stolen. I smile secretively, pushing past a crowd gathering before a bakery. The merchants have to make their way how they can, I make no judgments. After all, I'm called a murderer. A hidden alcove offers a secret way to ascend to the roofs so I take it. Now the running gets harder. I have to hide in the shadows, making sure the soldiers don't see me. They'll cut me down faster then I could come up with an excuse. Climbing the tower is simple, compared to this. As long as you don't look down, and don't lean back, it's almost easy to forget how high you are, how one mistake will cost you your life. Ignoring the tightening of my stomach, I grab another hand hold and then push myself up. Finally, I reach the top, a small square of rock. Perching on it, I take a deep breath, then look down. It's almost dizzying, if you let yourself go. There's so much to see, up here where only birds venture. I push that feeling away, then scan the area. The finer districts, on the other side of the walls, is not as big as I originally thought. The target is said to go to this district at night, to complete his work. I smile. There was only one entrance from this to the next, and no way to climb the wall without being visible to the palace guard. Perfect. If there was a god, he must have planned this almost perfectly. Now. Now I have to get down. Swallowing, I begin my descent slowly, putting one foot down, then feeling gently for another. Twice my grip almost breaks, and I cling to the narrow edges with all my strength. When my feet finally touch the ground, it does not seem soon enough. “Turn.” The male voice breaks through my revere, and I curse myself. Stupid! They watch the roof! I turned, keeping my face down. Even though my veil would hide it enough, some guards are good enough to remember a girl's eyes. Especially my eyes. Tainya would tease me, saying the earth passed some of her goodness into me when I was born, giving me those leaf colored eyes. The veil didn't accent them, but it didn't hinder the color either. My dress was brown and patched, plain enough, but I secretly wore the trousers underneath, in case I ran into trouble. My hair is hidden beneath a coif, a piece of cloth the women wear here over their heads. It gives me the look of having longer hair then I do. It only reaches my shoulders, just enough to be braided. I was a fool not to braid it. The man is considering me, watching me with his eyes. Then he tips the end of his knife under my chin, and tilts my head up. Now he gets the full brunt of my stare. Most people are unnerved, but he smiles. “I hadn't thought we would meet so soon, Nigra Cati.” Oh gods, he's my target. Quick as the cat he's called me, I unsheathe my dagger and stab at his arm. He too, is quick, grabbing my wrist and twisting my arm around behind me. My dagger falls to the ground. Now he's behind me, and his breath feels warm against my neck. I grimace, then elbow him, grabbing the same arm he was using to hold me and slamming him face first into the tower's wall, pinning him there. Now I have a dilemma. To grab my dagger, or my sword, I have to let go with one arm. He could then get away, or pin me down and take me in for questioning. He laughs, and it is then I figure he knows what I am going through. “Ya might as well let me go, lass. Ya can't kill me that easily.” Now that the rush of battle is over, I faintly recognize his accent, like a faint memory of a lullaby sung when I was a child. It startles me, this feeling. Enough to loosen my grip. In the time of one of my heartbeats, he twists his leg around mine, tripping me onto my back, then pinning me down with a boot to my throat. “Go back to yer hole, Cat. Ya can't kill me, and ya won't want to try.” He lifts his boot off, enough to let me answer as he sits back down. I don't believe my eyes, and I stare. He knows he's hunted, and he sits back down. In front of the person who is supposed to kill him. He knows he's startled me, and I curse him for it. “I know who you're here to kill.” Now his voice changes, and his accent is the same common that we all share. I blink, wondering if I've run mad. “You're here for my sister.” He starts to sharpen his dagger on a stone, not bothering to look at me, but he's watching out of the corner of his eye. Who is this man? He's more powerful then I could have imagined, and he's been trained in our ways. I cautiously sit beside him, stowing the dagger I dropped. Might as well hear what he has to say. He might be useful. He hasn't stopped smiling, and keeps on sharpening his sword, the rock bringing small sparks against the steel. “You didn't take the deal I offered either. Wherever you come from, you're very good.” He stops, and a colder glint comes into his eyes. I don't think I care to know the thoughts behind this gaze. “But I'm better.” I snort, then stand up. “If you're going to gloat, then I'm leaving.” I answer, my voice low. It's amazing how secrets get out when you think there's no way they can. A hand on my wrist halts me, if only for a moment. “Let. Go.” I enunciate, counting to five, mentally. He lets go at four, and I look down. “Please...just let me get my sister to her relatives. She's only a child, she has no place in politics.” He's begging me, actually begging. “You don't want innocent blood on your hands, and you don't want to end her life so early.” His plea reaches to me, and I stop, then sigh. “I'll give you till sunrise. Then I'm coming.” I look back at him, and let a little humanity reach my eyes. “She's only a child, and I don't want to kill her. But I'll need a replacement.” I sense him stand, to try to prolong my leaving, but as he catches my wrist for the third time, I let myself fall backwards, into a basket of rugs. Not as soft as I would have liked, but it would do. “Sunrise.” I whisper, and head off to find Tainya. * * * * * * * “You..talked to him.” Tainya's eyes can't possibly get any wider as we eat our small lunch of mutton and cheese. “Goddess' tears, you actually talked to him. Not assassinated, but talked.” Tainya believes in the Mother Goddess of the Earth, as well as the Sun God. She always teases me I look just like her, but when she swears by them, she's shocked beyond words, almost. I ignore her and work on my food, too tired to go over more. All I want is a nice bed, and some kind of alcohol. Maybe wine. Wine sounds good. “Kila, are you listening to me?! The masters would think you have betrayed them!” I smile over at her. “What they don't know won't hurt them.” I sighed, then put down my bread crust. “Did you listen to me? He was armed, like we are. Disguised, and he can hide his accent easily. He's been trained, Ya-ya.” She dislikes my pet name for her, but I only use it when I'm at my utmost serious. “I don't think I could have actually killed him by myself. And I don't want that girl's blood on my hands.” I fall silent, leaning back. “It's a cruel thing to end someone's life, but a necessary evil. A child is different. They have no yet experienced the world, or committed any real “sin”.” Tainya lies down next to me, on our almost soft blankets. “I just hope you know what you're doing.” She murmured. “I have to go find a merchant, and tell him the masters aren't pleased with him not paying their taxes.” She shrugged. Some merchants pay taxes to our group, to pay for protection, or to not get assassinated, hopefully. When they make a pledge, they have to keep it, and when merchants suddenly stop paying a tax, we are sent to investigate. “At least it's easy for your first job alone.” I murmur to the darkness. She chuckles slightly in response, then rolls over and goes to sleep. I lay awake and look at the stars, wondering if I've made the right decision. And somehow....Tainya knowing she was going to come, the night before the masters gave their approval....it's odd. But not so odd I'm going to worry about it. I roll over, facing the wall, and slowly let my eyes shut. Maybe I'll have a night free of dreams, for once.
It may be false hope, but it's still hope. -Christian Shepard (Lost, Season 2) The market place is not as busy, but life is beginning to stir. He lives with his sister in a little house off the main part. Dangerous for a wanted person, but mayhap he wanted to hide in plain sight. I perch on the opposite roof, watching, waiting. There's no sign of life inside. If he's left the city, I'll kill myself right after I kill him. Gently lowering myself to the ground, I walk toward the house. Hunching my back, I pretend to be using a key, while i'm really using a lockpick. No one within ten feet would notice. The door swings open, and I smile. Lovely. Pulling out my wrist knife, I creep up the stairs, quietly. There are two “doors”, made of cloth attatched to the ceiling on the top flight, left and right. Hesitating, I put my ear to the right door, and hear nothing. Then, turning to the left, I hear light humming. Gently pulling the cloth aside, there's a girl, about eight, playing with her doll. Her back is turned to me, and she's humming. I take another step, trying not to think about what I'm supposed to do. The girl laughs, and begins talking in a higher voice, playing as her doll. I know then I can't do this. I slide the knife back into its strap, and the noise makes the girl turn. She frowns, then stands up, the doll hanging at her side. “You're not one of brother's friends.” She declares, looking up at me. I become mesmerized by her eyes, the most beautiful shade of green. Something grabs me from behind, jarring me from my thoughts. Just before the knife plunges into my back, I drive my foot back, into some poor sod's private parts. He grunts, and drops me, the weapon clattering to the ground. I whirl, throwing a knife as I move, to hit another man. He drops without a sound, leaving the leader. Him. He smiles, then slowly picks his way over to me. Before I can react again, both of the men I thought were down grab me, holding me tightly, so I can feel my skin bruising. “I'm glad you came.” His low words make his men chuckle. His little sister walks up to him, holding his hand as she watches me. I give her stare for stare, then feel my legs give as one of the men behind me hits me over the head. Pox rotting piss drinking scum of a man.I curse, though I can't say if I said them outloud or not. * * * * * * * Tainya moved amongst the crowd, blending easily. One flutter of her eyelashes at the guard, and she was through, into the main courtyard. The informant was sitting on a bench, a red cloth at the place next to him. She sat next to the cloth, her head tipped up toward the sky. “It's so blue today.” She commented, a small smile on her lips. “Only the birds will know how blue.” the man answers, keeping his face away from her's. She did the same, staring at the courtyard, the people coming and going. The cloth wrapped around her head, hiding her lips. To stop the lip readers amongst them. “You were earlier then I anticipated.” He finally says, picking up the cloth and tucking it into his belt. Tainya let her her head down, as if staring at the ground. “I made good time.” The man nods, and suddenly something pierced into Tainya's back. Good thing she had her metal plate there, protecting her. Standing up, she stared at the man as he stared back, amazement and surprise in both sets of eyes. She started to say something, but the man's eyes widened, and he slumped, just as she noticed the knife sticking out of his back. Taking another step backwards, she began to walk towards the courtyard's entrance, trying to walk normally. The guards nodded as she passed, but then one said something, and another grabbed her arm. “Miss, you need to come with us.” He murmured, pulling her toward him. She was trying to make some kind of excuse when another voice sounded behind her. “Mama!” A small dark haired girl walked up to her, grabbing her hand. “Mama, we need to go home soon.” Her green eyes fixed on the guard. Tainya went with the flow, holding the girl's hand in her own and smiling at the guard. “Sorry sir, I need to get my daughter home.” She turned and left before they could say anything else, and not two streets away, a man came walking toward her. He had the same facial features as the girl, and Tainya let go of her hand, leaning against the alley way wall for support. The knife must have gouged her, she felt dizzy. The man came up next to her. “That cat of yours is pesky.” He murmured, his voice low. She stiffened, then looked up. “You.....” The target. Kila's target. Dammit! “What did you do to her?” she asked, her voice sounding braver then she felt. The man wrapped an arm around her, supporting her. She was too weak to resist, now. The knife must have gone deeper then she thought. “Your order has betrayed you. She's safe, your Nigra Cati. I'll take you to her.” The last thing Tainya saw was the small girl smiling at her, her green eyes wide and innocent. So like Kila's..... ______________________ I can only plead the same excuse as the other story I posted in, I hurt my hand and I'll try to post the rest of the chapters later this week.
Nothing that is lost can ever be found, at least, until you stop looking. The sun burns, but this is nothing new. It is not even enough to burn the grass that has grown, or dry up the river that runs near our house. A clean, quiet area. Chickens clucking, suddenly mixed with screams, and red. So much red. I wake, my hands covering my mouth so I don't scream. I can't hear anything, except the thudding of my heart beat, pounding my ears. Slowly, I calm, and my heart follows my lead. Another dream....but I do not remember this memory. It is possible that it could have been when I was initiated. When the initiate is ready, the masters lull the assassin-to-be into a false sleep, triggering them to see in black and white, to cut them off from what they are doing, where they are. No one remembers their initiating, what they do to become an assassin. Some of us are left with dream like memories of what occurred. The luckier ones don't remember a thing, consciously or not. Tainya is sitting next to me, drinking from a gourd. Judging by the way her face is set, it isn't water. She hates any kind of alcohol. Smiling slightly, I take it from her, then dump the contents on the ground. She shudders, then smiles, lying back. “Welcome back to the world of the living.†“I could say the same to you.†I murmur, eying the bandages wrapping around her waist. She rolls her eyes, then grins, chucking a pot at me. I duck, laughing silently when it breaks against the wall. Since it's not our property, we can do what we like. That thought brings me back, and I begin to circle the tiny room. The wall is climbable, with several handhold in the adobe sides, but the ceiling is fenced off with some kind of barbed wire. I can see from several stains on the walls and floor that some people have not been intelligent enough to escape falling onto it. Thieves probably. Gently touching it, the spikes prick the skin of my fingertips, barely breaking it. Sharp, too. There's a rope that coils around some kind of latch, but I can't reach it without losing a hand. That'll be for tomorrow. It's already turning night in the city, the sun setting over the side of the wall. We're in the west part of the city then. The room slowly goes black, and I creep close to Tainya. Our eyes adjust to the dark, slowly. The room is furnished with some carpets, mostly thatched rugs. I can hear my breathing, and Tainya's as we wait. Slowly the latch clicks, and I can see three forms. Three? I grin, and Tainya grabs my wrist, holding tightly. I tense, wanting to break free, anticipating what has to be done, but I don't just yet. The three men lower a ladder, then creep down slowly, carefully. One helps a smaller form. The little girl. I can almost see her eyes glinting at me. Then fire light flares, and I shut my eyes quickly. Someone's hand attempts to break Tainya away from me, but I twist my hips, kicking behind. There's a yelp, and I open my eyes, keeping them narrowed. One man lies on the floor, holding his stomach and retching, while the two others try not to laugh. The girl does nothing, her small pointed face shadowed in the flickering light. One speaks to the other in a foreign, harsh language, and laughs. The other grins, then makes a move toward me. Tainya keeps a grip on my arm, then backs us into a corner. “They'll take us down.†she whispers in Latin, her dark eyes on the girl, of all things. “We can't stand against them.†I want to ask what she means, but I don't get the chance. Both men jump at me, and I grab one's arm, twisting it while ducking underneath to come out on his other side, still bending the arm. Letting him go, he falls into the other man, and I automatically reach for a knife, only to find I have none. *******s disarmed me. There's a whooshing noise behind me, and I instinctively turn, which may have saved my life. A pot smashes grazes against the side of my head, making me see stars. I blink, gasping, stumbling back. The only one open was the little girl, but that was a heavy pot. Looking back, Tainya's eyes are wide. She makes a move toward me, but stops, her eyes on the girl behind me. I turn again, just in time to duck something sharp flying past me. The girl's eyes are on me, bright green. They almost seem to glow with some internal power, and a rug unhinges itself from the wall behind her to come toward me. I dive at her, focusing on her eyes. Hands grab me and pull me down, a foot in my back holds me there while other hands tie my feet and hands together. I snarl curses, and the man holding me down with his foot laughs. He says something else to the men in that strange language. I look back up at the girl, spitting dirt out of my mouth. She only watches, not saying a word, those intense green eyes just staring. It's like she can see into my soul, and a sudden lump appears in my throat. I look away as I'm lifted up, ignoring her. Tainya is tied the same way, but a little more gently, her arms not pulled as far back. I spit more dirt out, then glare at the men. The main one, who I've realized is...was... my target, only smiles calmly. “I am Coda. That is Thom and Jeorge.†The two men bow, mocking smiles on their faces. I only grimace, then wrench away from Coda's grip, standing by Tainya. “Lovely that we're all acquainted, but I would like to go.†I smile, though not nicely. Coda shakes his head, still smiling amiably. “You can't go back. Tainya has a warrant out for her arrest, and you have been seen by your target. You have no where to go. So you have two options.†“Only two?†I ask. “I see many options.†A bigger smile glimmers on his lips for a second, then is gone. “Option one, you can try to kill me, and my sister, and you and your friend die. Option two, you can come with us, and help us.†Tainya made an odd noise, and I look at her. She speaks to me with her eyes, something only she and I have been able to do. “Option two. For now.†I answer, looking back at Coda. “But if you try anything with either of us, I'll make it so you can't try anything like that ever again, with anyone.†One of the men, I think Thom, muffles a laugh. Coda nods, then unties Tainya and my feet, and goes up the ladder. His sister follows him, then Jeorge. I look over at Thom as Tainya goes up next. “Aren't you afraid I'll kill you?†I ask, curious. He grins, then shakes his head. “I'm not worth your time, Nigra Cati.†* * * * * * The city by night is beautiful. The stars are bright, against the small fires on the ground that the soldiers make to keep themselves warm. We steal across the rooftops, silent as cats ourselves, thought no cat would be insane enough to try going over the city wall at night. It's easier then it sounds, involving several boosts by too helpful male hands, grabbing nearly invisible wall holds, and praying that no stones break lose to alert the guards. Finally out into the country, I whistle twice in the air, then wait, then whistle twice more. Coda stops to watch me, as well as Jeorge and Thom. Out of the blackness comes Star and Nerita. Thom whistles low, while Jeorge prays in his strange language. Tainya shrugs at me, then goes to pet Nerita, whispering to her in Latin. I do the same to Star, giving her a rub just below her eyes. She neighs quietly, then nudges me. Coda comes up silently behind me, but not silently enough. “She won't like you.†I warn. And indeed, Star tries to snap at him with her teeth. I let her try then gently tell her no, stroking her. “You ever considered that you have magic?†he whispers, watching me. Tainya mounts up, Nerita watching Thom's and Jeorge's mounts out of the corner of her eyes. I just snort and shake my head. “Magic is only in stories. I don't believe in magic.†Pulling myself up onto the saddle, I look down at him. “I believe in what I see.†He shakes his head, and goes to his sister, who is already handling a large black stallion with ease. Rolling my eyes at the madness that will soon ensue with this beast, I gently command Star to move forward. Tainya follows me, and we all six move into the night. Two assassins and four fugitives. Oh the future is bright.
Without the light, there are no shadows. The sun peeks over the horizon, hesitantly, as if not sure he should bathe the land in his glow. I silently plead with him, begging for him to rise faster. That means my watch is over, and I can finally go to bed. Coda and Thom went somewhere, leaving his sister and Tainya alone, with me. I guess he can't take her, where's she's going, and that he can't trust us to stay put, leaving Jeorge with us. Not that Jeorge wanted to go. I suspect he volunteered, just to stay and talk with Tainya. I'm not blind, nor is she. She's asleep now, one arm over her eyes. Makes it easier to reach the knife hidden under her pillow. Jeorge is across from her, leaning against a tree, his hat tipped over his eyes. The girl is curled up not far from Tainya, clutching her doll tightly. I realize I don't know her name, and sigh. Since when did I care about names? Standing up and stretching, the sun comes over the east hills, warming my face. I smile, close my eyes and soak up what I can. In these lowlands, the sun is rare to find, blocked by the often dark rain clouds, or the hills. Very green here, different from the desert like place I've been used to. There are lakes more often, and the ground is mushy. The horses have more trouble, but they get to graze more often. I smile, watching our horses “socialize”. Nerita and Star aren't tied, but the stolen horses were. Now only Jeorge's remains. Hearing hoof beats, I reach instinctively for my sword, before relaxing, but only slightly. “Stop at a brothel on your way home?” I remark as Coda and Thom ride in, slightly silly smiles on their faces. Thom laughs, then dismounts, sweeping me a bow. “Nothing but your attentions will satisfy me.” He declares, his voice no more then a whisper. “I refuse to pay tribute to any other then your glorious beauty.” Flapping a hand at him, I scan the saddle bags with my eyes. They are full, almost bulging, and there are other bags that weren't there before. Raising my eyebrows at Coda, I turn my back on him and go to a nearby river, splashing water on my face. This awakens me some, and I turn, using my gift to view their bags. “You planning on going a ways?” I ask. “That's a lot of food and clothing.” Coda checks on his sister, then turns to look at me. “You just happen to know what we bought?” he asks, his eyes critical. I smile, shrug, and turn to my bedroll. “Your headache. I'm turning in.” I leave no room for argument, and roll over, concealing two knives at my sides and the sword by the blankets. Another knife goes under my pillow. “Good. Night.” “Actually it's morning.” Jeorge corrects me, sitting up with a yawn. I ignore him and close my eyes, letting sleep wash over me. * * * * * * * * Tainya sat up with a yawn, opening her eyes. A face, blurred, staring into hers. “Good morning.” Jeorge said cheerfully, ignoring her attempts to beat him back. He kissed her cheek then sprang up, offering his hand. “How did your night treat you?” She gave him a wry smile, taking his hand, but letting go as soon as she was up. “The same as yours. Lumpy.” Looking around, she noticed Coda and Thom were back. “Long trip, hm.” she murmured, planning entirely for Jeorge to hear her. He stepped closer, deliberately trying to flirt. “Yes indeed. There is a village somewhere in these wetlands, where we are welcome.” He smiled. “The wine houses are particularly recommended.” She rolled her eyes at him. “Why tell me? It's not to your advantage.” She turned, going to the river and splashing her face with the cold water, not knowing that Kila had done the same. Jeorge watched her with a smirk. “One, you're coming with, and two, you couldn't' find it if you didn't know where it was.” She sighed, then looked over her shoulder, her hair dripping. “Tell that to Kila. I follow her.” Turning back around, she dipped a hand in. The water went up to her elbow, making her entire arm go numb. “It's the smartest thing to do.” Jeorge was beside her, twirling his fingers in the water, making small tails of water follow him. “Besides. She can't stand up to Coda.” Both glanced back, then smirked at each other. Tainya recognized a kindred spirit, a trickster and fun lover in him. “Two copper pieces that Coda loses to Kila.” Tainya whispered, holding out her dry hand to Jeorge. He grinned and stacked his on top of hers, then tapped hers with his other dripping hand. She did the same. “You're on.”
